I need some help from you guys. Understand that I am not a mechanic, I can do the little stuff but not a complete rebuild. I have a matching #'s 64 malibu sport coupe with roughly 80,000 miles (all original). My delima is I want to redo it and start taking it to some small shows. Do I have the 283 rebuilt and beefed up or do I buy a new motor and tranny. I want something that will snap your head back when you get on it and has a great sound but also something that will cruise the highway at 75 mph all day without any problems. This car will never be raced and will never be sold (while I have it). It will be passed on to my grandson when I am gone. Please give me your ideas.

I'd rebuild the 283, add a small cam for the sound, and a slightly louder exhaust system.

I'd rebuild the 283, add a small cam for the sound, and a slightly louder exhaust system.

And add a 700r4 transmission.....but save the #'s matching stuff.

:yes:

putting in a th350 will be much easier then the 700r4 less to modify & will still give you more umph when leaving a lite :D I'd stick with the restro theme in the end the car will be worth more IMO .. what ever you do SAVE all the stock parts !!

how much mods are needed to install a th350?

What is your budget?

roughly 4 to 5k for drive train

I want something that will snap your head back when you get on it and has a great sound but also something that will cruise the highway at 75 mph all day without any problems.

The "I want something that will snap your head back" comment is a little subjective..
Read the Your idea of a streetable combo thread (http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155756) :D

ID consider pulling the 283 and stock trans and saving them in case you want to restore the car to stock someday. From there you can go whatever power level you want.
I think a sleeper type 383 or 400 small block with a 200R4 trans would be cool. Nothing fancy... good heads and a solid bottom end with a cam of no more than 270 duration. spend the balance of your cash on a better flowing exhaust system and some new suspension bushings, brakes,and steering parts if they are worn.